CD Reviews

Challenging--but well worth the effort

06/18/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"When you first glance at the credits of Cold on the Shoulder, it would be easy to think Gordon Lightfoot decided to simply repeat the formula of his previous album Sundown (which was a sizeable commercial success). The same musicians appear: Lightfoot on rhythm 12 and 6 string guitars (as well as a bit of piano); Red Shea and Terry Clements on lead guitars; John Stockfish and Rick Haynes sharing the bass duties; and Jim Gordon on drums. Lenny Waronker, once again, is the producer. The only change of any significance is the addition of Pee Wee Charles on pedal steel guitar, who would remain with the regular touring band through the mid 1980s.But Cold on the Shoulder is no mere rehash of Sundown. Whereas Sundown's overall motif was restlessness and movement, Cold on the Shoulder is a much more introspective album. The underlying motif of Cold on the Shoulder is essentially "on the outside looking in"--even the cover reflects that concept.That isn't to say it's a depressing album--it opens and closes with two very fun, upbeat songs ("Bend in the Water," and "Slide on Over"). However, there is a certain amount of sadness, of melancholy which touches many of the songs here--perhaps this is why Lightfoot has been quoted as saying the album is "a little uptight."There are some beautiful songs to be found here: "Rainy Day People," "As Fine as Fine Can Be," and the underrated "A Tree Too Weak to Stand," as well as one of his best "story-songs" ("Cherokee Bend"). For anyone who has ever experienced those first pangs of disquiet in a relationship, you'll rarely hear those feelings expressed any better as they are in "Now and Then." The album also includes what is arguably the very best of what I call the "observational" songs--"All the Lovely Ladies."The album is beautifully produced, and the musicianship--as ever--is top notch. This may not be the most accessible of Lightfoot albums: it's definitely not the one to put on if you're in a down mood. That being said, Cold on the Shoulder nevertheless deserves your attention. It is the work of an astonishingly gifted writer, a mature, world-wise artist, who has chosen life--with all of its inherent ups, downs, triumphs, tragedies, laughter, sadness--as his canvas on which to paint. Cold on the Shoulder is one of Lightfoot's overlooked gems."

More people should know about this one!

lmoatman@law.syr.edu | Liverpool, NY | 06/09/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD starts out with the raucous 'Bend in the Water', and switches moods immediately with 'Rainy Day People'. I think Rainy Day People is the only song that might sound familiar to the radio listening public. If I have a favorite Lightfoot song, it's "Bells of the Evening". It's a simple arrangement, starting out with just a few piano chords, but he manages to sound achingly lonely. The other Lightfoot song worth more than passing mention here is "Fine as Fine Can Be". Lightfoot's voice here is as smooth as dark honey. The lyrics, and the music, sort of flow out of the speakers and insinuate themselves into your ears.This was first released in 1975, and I wore out my cassette recording of it. It is excellent vintage Lightfoot!"

Cold on the Shoulder

lmoatman@law.syr.edu | 12/09/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I was 15-years-old when I received this album for a birthday present. I had liked Gordon Lightfoot because of my older brother's keen sense of great music - folk and rock and everything in between - since "If You Could Read My Mind was popular in '70 or '71. But my brother got older, more rebellious and distant from me and we didn't have much in common anymore. However, this album, CD, still reminds me how glad I am that my brother instilled an appreciation of an excellent songwriter, guitarist and folk singer. Cold on the Shoulder is probably Lightfoot's best collection of songs he ever produced - "Fine as Fine Can Be," "Rainbow Trout" and "Rainy Day People" stand out. A couple songs are somewhat rock-a-billy, not near as good as his ballads. Overall, this album still brings a smile to my face, and now that I've rediscovered it on CD, and fond memories to my mind."

The lycrics and music of this album are pure "Gord Gold".

lmoatman@law.syr.edu | 07/09/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I was first introduced to Lightfoot's music back in 1973. Each song on this album has a feeling of its own. My favorite by far is Bells of the Evening. The simple accompaniment of piano with Lightfoot's voice is heavenly and meloncholy at the same time. It evokes such feelings that stay with you forever. Fine as Fine Can Be is another classic Lightfoot tune from this album that feels like cool summer breezes coming over you. This album is classic Gordon Lightfoot and a great introduction to anyone who hasn't yet discovered his music."